Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a powerful and emotional declaration during the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi on Thursday, asserting that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen, and dairy sector — even if it comes at a personal cost to him.
His statement is being seen as a strong yet indirect response to former US President Donald Trump, who recently announced a 25% additional tariff on Indian goods. The new tariff came into effect from midnight of August 6 (IST August 7), sparking concerns of a trade conflict between India and the United States.
Trump had justified the new tariffs by stating that they would help bring back “billions of dollars” to the US from countries that had taken advantage of American trade policies for years. However, India has made it clear — through both official statements and the Prime Minister’s address — that it will stand its ground and not sacrifice the welfare of its agricultural and rural communities.
